EDITING
PACKAGES
You've completed a solid first draft of your book. Now you're seeking feedback on what's working and what isn't, at the big-picture level.
You're in the right place if:
You've completed a full first draft (or a large section) of your transformational non-fiction book about 'remembering' the feminine.
You've edited your draft yourself multiple times, to get it into the best shape you can. You know it's not ready yet, but you're unable to advance any further on your own.
You want your narrative to be inspirational and compelling, freed from any confusion, digressions or structural problems that might distract the reader from the value and clarity of your message.
Your aim is to take your readers on a well-crafted journey, to offer them a much-needed shift in perspective, so they are not the same on finishing your book as they were when they started reading.
You're ready for professional feedback at the big-picture level, to help you achieve this.
Are you dreading the editing process?
You've worked hard on your manuscript, and it's taken courage. Your material might feel counter-cultural, raw and intimate, and/or bound to ruffle some feathers, especially if it's taking on culturally embedded systems of oppression.
You might be struggling to identify the problems in your manuscript, let alone figure out how to resolve them. This is causing you consternation, even keeping you awake at night.
Perhaps you fear that an editor will tear it apart, "kill your darlings", or point out problems that you'd rather ignore - even if you can feel that something is not working - because fixing them feels arduous.
However, you're also aware that you are no longer seeing your work clearly. You've been too close to it for too long.
You're looking for an editor who's not only able to find the problems in your work and suggest solutions, but who is sensitive to, and educated in, your subject. Someone who really understands and values what you're trying to do.
Editing is where the magic happens
Receiving editorial feedback needn't feel difficult or unpleasant. Quite the opposite: it can bring a sense of renewed excitement, especially if you welcome it in a spirit of collaboration and openness (with discernment of course).
My job is to ensure that what is in your head is being effectively communicated on the page; that your messaging is fine-tuned, and your sense of connection with your reader is strong.
You'll gain fresh perspectives that you wouldn't have arrived at on your own.
You might just fall in love with your work all over again, experiencing a flood of relief when you understand what's not working... with the result that you feel motivated to make changes.
I offer two editing services: a manuscript assessment and a full developmental edit. This way you can choose the service that's right for you, depending on your budget and how detailed you'd like your feedback to be.
Note: In both cases, you do the revision work. My role is to suggest the changes needed to strengthen and polish your manuscript.
Option 1:
MANUSCRIPT ASSESSMENT
Also known as an editorial letter or evaluation, this service takes a look at your finished draft from the point of view of the big picture, not the minutiae.
I will read your manuscript through carefully, focusing on the meaning and structural cohesion of your work, rather than your content at the sentence or paragraph level.
I'll look for any weaknesses in the overall shape and logic of your narrative. I will call attention to places that need development or clarification, and of course highlight the parts that are working well.
Above all, I'll strive to help you build a strong communicative rapport between you and your reader, pinpointing where any 'connective tissue' might be missing, and flagging any major issues standing in the way of a seamless, satisfying reader experience.
This information will be presented to you in a 7-10 page editorial summary (double spaced).
It can be extremely valuable to go through this process and make amendments before you invest in a more extensive developmental edit, or pitch your book to publishers and agents.
PRICING for Option 1
$21 USD
per 1000 words
Payment: I'll invoice you for an online payment. While my prices are set in USD, payment is possible in multiple currencies.
PRO TIP:
I suggest that you cut superfluous words from your project before hiring me. If your book is perfect at its current length, don’t prune it for the sake of cutting costs. But if you can reduce your wordcount without compromising the quality of your writing, this will save you money.
Please note: Your developmental edit is for one editing round only. Subsequent rounds are billed separately.
Option 2:
FULL DEVELOPMENTAL EDIT
This service is similar to the manuscript assessment (described above) but is deeper and more involved.
Here, I'll offer you both an editorial summary of the big picture problems, and detailed in-line notes all through your draft, suggesting specific ways you might resolve the issues.
This service therefore combines a macro edit (the broad brush strokes) with a micro edit (suggested changes on the page).
It provides a comprehensive and practical list of suggestions and solutions for you to implement when you embark upon your revisions.
My job is to help you capture the vision you set out to convey in the first place.
I'll work with you to ensure that what is in your head is being clearly conveyed on the page, in a way that is made clear for the reader.
I set out to support your needs while considering your readers' needs at the same time - practising 'two way empathy.'
The intersection between author and reader is where the magic lies, and I will help you achieve it.
Your developmental edit includes:
This service doesn't offer:
Catriona is a brilliant, brilliant structural editor.
I can honestly say I couldn’t have done it without her. My book is so much better for her gorgeous, subtle and sensitive touch. Thank you for making my book shine."
GINA CHICK
AUTHOR OF WE ARE THE STARS
Simon & Schuster, releasing Oct 2024
This is so much better! You're a genius!
Catriona is a skilled editor and has a depth of knowledge. She can get to the heart of what is working and what is not. She will push you to go deeper, and guide you to write your best work.
TEE O'NEILL
AUTHOR & PLAYWRIGHT
PRICING for Option 2
$32 USD
per 1000 words
I will offer feedback on 2000 words from your manuscript free of charge, so you can experience my editing style before we commit to working together more comprehensively.
Payment: I'll invoice you for (2x) online payments. While my prices are set in USD, payment is possible in multiple currencies.
PRO TIP:
As indicated in the Manuscript Assessment section above, I suggest that you cut superfluous words from your project before hiring me. If your book is perfect at its current length, don’t prune it for the sake of cutting costs. However if you can reduce your wordcount without compromising the quality of your writing, this will save you money.
Please note: Your developmental edit is for one editing round only. Subsequent rounds are billed separately.
To get in touch:
Please click the contact button below. It will take you through to a simple contact form to fill out.
FAQ
For edits and written feedback, we'll use Microsoft Word's 'Track Changes' function. This is industry standard, and it's important you're familiar with it.
For coaching calls, we will use Google Meet (which requires no subscription or download at your end). Video recordings and written transcripts can be provided, if desired.
I am professionally trained to detect holes in your narrative with "x-ray vision," and I use specific methodologies to help me achieve this.
I'm likely to be significantly more careful and meticulous in my reading than beta readers will be, and will suggest specific ways you can address and counter problems.
That said, I do recommend that you take your manuscript to a select number of beta readers before coming to me. Doing so will potentially help you to identify any big problems with your book (from a reader's perspective) that you can fix yourself.
Pro tip: Always be sure your beta readers are well matched and sensitive to your subject.
Transformation: I place a special focus on the 'heroine's journey' you're walking your reader through. When your book offers your reader a step-by-step journey of transformation, this provides reader satisfaction. This in turn inspires word-of-mouth recommendations, the proven #1 way to sell a book.
Sensitivity: I understand that writing about the archetypal feminine can take courage, because you're likely to be taking on culturally embedded misogyny. I will be sensitive to your vulnerabilities and support you (with a box of tools) in your process of stepping into greater visibility.
Subject knowledge: I read widely about feminine archetypes and the heroine's journey, and am passionate about this subject. I can offer the perspective of a well-informed and sensitive reader and also suggest supplementary resources to you, if desired.
It's extremely important to me to bring penetrative insight and constructive criticism to my editorial notes, while always remaining kind and respectful in my communications.
Confidentiality is assured in our book coaching agreement.
Of course, the direction your book moves in has to feel right in your bones, and you are always the authority of your work. You can discard any suggestions that don't ring true for you.
Microsoft Word's 'Track Changes' function gives you the option to accept or reject any suggestion I make.
It's not my role to influence, but rather to support you in writing the best book you can. My aim is to help you be true to your deepest vision for your book while also keeping an eye on marketplace realities.